Pros
The FAA Program is a great place to get your licenses and get the training you need to launch a financial advisory practice. The firm has excellent resources, technology, name recognition. The salary paid during the first part of the training program is important as you try to build your business.
Cons
It is very difficult to meet production goals. Invariably, unless you are part of a team you will not make it through the training program. It is clear that the true goal of the program is to bring in new assets and retain those assets. The trainees are merely cogs in the machine and 90 percent of trainees don't make it - whether it is as the end of year 1, year 2, or year 3. Many go on to other firms and do fine so all is not lost, it can just be a little depressing when you figure it all out.